Jacobs Mock Interview

Practice 31 Jacobs interview questions covering engineering projects, infrastructure solutions, and technical problem-solving.

Question 19 of 31

What makes you a great problem solver?

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Karrie Day

Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,

When a job description at Jacobs states that you need excellent problem-solving skills they mean it. The first sentence on their website outlines their work in solving the world's most critical problems while inventing the future. That's a tall order, so it is critical to be specific. Here are a few examples you might include:

- ability to think clearly under pressure
- emotional intelligence
- intuition
- agility
- adaptability
- advanced teamwork or leadership skills
- communication skills
- analytical ability to weigh risks and think through options
- training in specific problem-solving techniques

Karrie Day

"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my creativity. I am a keen observer with a great memory which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas. I am also a great listener and often serve to bridge the best ideas from my team members together. Jacobs is known for solving some of the world's toughest problems while mitigating the problems of the future. I would love the opportunity to work with the teams here at Jacobs that rise to that challenge."

Karrie Day

"I am a great problem solver because I draw from the experience of others, whether solicited advice or through my prior observations and then I improve upon that, where possible. My memory and years in the industry have exposed me to many types of situations and problems, so I feel I have a vast amount of experience to draw from, allowing me to be creative and effective in the way I approach any challenge."

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Considering my length of work experience in different projects, I have faced various types of issues and can definitely use the lesson learned in future situations. Also, attended different courses in the field of social science, including different types of people's personalities as well as potential strengths and weaknesses. By knowing team members' characteristics and their personalities, creative solutions can be found easily and I believe that many problematic situations can be turned into opportunities by focusing on solutions rather than the issue themselves.

Problem-solving methods that I have been using:
1. Fishbone
2. Brainstorming
3. Pareto Analysis
4. Root Cause Analysis
5. Whys

For example, we had a situation regarding an unacceptable defect in the cladding welds inside the main tower of the ____ plant. Using the fishbone technique, the following main reasons were found:
1. Personnel
2. Material
3. Measurement
4. Environment
5. Machines
Under each main category, there were some reasons that were registered and carefully investigated. Finally, the main reason was lack of cleaning between weld layers (PT used for each pass)

Problem Solving

29.At Jacobs, we solve complex problems creatively on a daily basis. Can you describe a time in which you solved a difficult problem with an unexpected idea?

Discovery

30.This role requires top-secret security clearance. Can you outline your experience working on projects that require advanced clearance?

Discovery

Jacobs Mock Interview

What makes you a great problem solver?

31Jacobs Interview Questions & Answers

1.At Jacobs we prefer to hire individuals invested in their professional development. Walk me through any industry-related coursework you have completed.

2.At Jacobs, we put a lot of pride into the organization of our projects. Do you consider yourself to be highly organized?

3.Do you have experience in determining labor requirements on large-scale construction projects?

4.Tell me about any experience you may have in overseeing the performance of other contractors.

5.At Jacobs we put the safety of our employees first. How familiar are you with construction safety standards?

6.Tell me about your experience with ordering and overseeing the delivery of engineering/construction related materials and equipment.

7.At Jacobs, we know that efficiency is directly related to profitability. How do you accurately assess the progress of each project you manage?

8.Have you ever had to terminate an employee?

9.In your opinion, what are the top 3 qualities every engineering/construction professional should possess?

10.How do you diffuse a difficult or tense situation at work?

11.In your opinion, who are the strongest competitors for Jacobs?

12.Tell me about a time when you effectively delegated tasks.

13.Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Jacobs?

14.How do you successfully motivate your team?

15.How do you handle stress on the job?

16.Tell me about a time you handled an incredibly difficult client. How did you come to a resolution with this person?

17.Tell me about a time at work when your integrity was challenged. How did you handle it?

18.What are your salary expectations?

19.What makes you a great problem solver?

20.What is your definition of hard work?

21.We are looking for strong team players to join Jacobs. What role do you usually take in team projects?

22.Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

23.How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?

24.What questions do you have for me about Jacobs or this role?

25.What is your long-range career objective with Jacobs?

26.Tell me about yourself.

27.What is your greatest professional weakness?

28.Why are you leaving your current job? Why did you leave your previous job?

29.At Jacobs, we solve complex problems creatively on a daily basis. Can you describe a time in which you solved a difficult problem with an unexpected idea?

30.This role requires top-secret security clearance. Can you outline your experience working on projects that require advanced clearance?

31.Why do you want to work at Jacobs?